GAME REPORT

Robert Dixon once more starred for Pinar Karsiyaka with a game-high 24 points

Pinar Karsiyajka stayed perfect in Group I of the EuroChallenge Last 16 as they cruised to an 89-71 victory over Joensuun Kataja.

Robert Dixon poured in 28 points for Karsiyaka, with Jon Diebler adding 19, Can Mutaf 11 and William Thomas 10.

After Kataja opened the scoring through Daniel Coleman, Karsiyaka responded with 14 straight, 12 of them from Dixon before Thomas' jump-shot.

They moved 20-4 ahead on Evren Buker's lay-up and Kataja were all but out of it with the game barely five minutes old.

A 13-0 run in the second period powered the hosts into a 48-25 lead on Mutaf's three-pointer, and although Kataja offered some slightly stiffer resistance in the second half, the final result was already a foregone conclusion.

COACH QUOTES

"Before coming to Izmir we knew that a tough game is waitting for us. But when the home team found 10 pts difference it was hard to catch them back."

Joensuun Kataja head coach Jukka Toijala"To play a game in this gym with this atmosphere was very nice even if you lose. The start of the game, 20-4, made it hardto come back, but whatever my players played the rest of the game even to get some lessons, we will be looking for the game in Joensuun. But l believe Pinar Karsiyaka will be in the top 8."

Pinar Karsiyaka player Can Mutaf"First of all congratulations to my teammates. It was an important game for us to be able to get the first place in the group, not finished yet maybe but we are happy not to make a mistake on the road."

Pinar Karsiyaka head coach Ufuk Sarica"Starting the game tough brought us the win. Our first target is to qualify and the next is to take first place, so on the way we are going on strongly. Not only for winning today but also for our fans we are so happy to see the gym packed."

COACH QUOTES

"Before coming to Izmir we knew that a tough game is waitting for us. But when the home team found 10 pts difference it was hard to catch them back."

Joensuun Kataja head coach Jukka Toijala"To play a game in this gym with this atmosphere was very nice even if you lose. The start of the game, 20-4, made it hardto come back, but whatever my players played the rest of the game even to get some lessons, we will be looking for the game in Joensuun. But l believe Pinar Karsiyaka will be in the top 8."

Pinar Karsiyaka player Can Mutaf"First of all congratulations to my teammates. It was an important game for us to be able to get the first place in the group, not finished yet maybe but we are happy not to make a mistake on the road."

Pinar Karsiyaka head coach Ufuk Sarica"Starting the game tough brought us the win. Our first target is to qualify and the next is to take first place, so on the way we are going on strongly. Not only for winning today but also for our fans we are so happy to see the gym packed."